Grapes of an Unknown Providence
The original source of the Vignoles grape has been lost to time, if it was even known! This grape was originally known as Ravat 51 (named after J.F. Ravat, the French grape breeder who has somewhere in the neighborhood of 28 distinct grape breeds attributed to him) which was imported to the United States in the late 1940’s. Since then, questions about its pedigree have arisen which add mystery to the Vignoles variety. It produces very fine fruit forward varietal wines, often in an off-dry style where its tropical aromas pair nicely with the residual sweetness, though it does equally beautifully as a late harvest or dry varietal. It is also a fantastic grape for blending and finds itself as an important component of many blends across the Eastern United States.
It received its name from the Finger Lakes Wine Growers Association in 1970, and the grape is grown predominately in Missouri where it is the most planted variety in the state, across the Midwest, as well as the Eastern United States.
Grandma’s Impressions
Grandma generally leans away from sweet wines, as I have mentioned in previous articles like when I covered Pink Catawba and Steinberg White she just finds them less interesting than a big, bold red like our Cross J Norton. With that glaring caveat aside, the bold flavors, delicious mouthfeel and bright fruit freshness all grabbed her attention. She remarked on the sweetness, not as a detraction but rather about how it perfectly complimented the sharp pineapple profile and she loved how it seemed to come alive on her tongue.
My grandmother went back for a second glass, which is not something she would do if she did not enjoy it.
We shared this wine with a meal of curry, a Massaman curry made with coconut milk specifically, where it worked out pretty nicely. The fruitiness of the wine goes well with the coconut basis of the sauce while the acid really helps to bring the general sweetness of the sauce more in line with what the Vignoles offers while the pineapple absolutely sings with the spice and the overall flavor profile of the dish.
My Impressions
The color is always nice to look at, a consistent pale straw that catches the light with a lovely glint and glimmer as I hold it to the light. The nose is so very bright and fruity, a touch of pineapple rounds out that fruit scent and makes it smell rich and tropical.
The mouthfeel is one of the first things I note, even before the flavors really as it passes by my lips in a refreshing but thicker consistency than its scent character would have implied. Fresh fruit, pineapple and a light vaguely citrus florality fill my mouth, coating the inside with that rich body that punches well above what would be expected from the nose. The end note is rather interesting; it is a complex culmination of all the flavors with the acid finishing the whole thing off with a light tartness that carries the richness away with it so that the wine does not overstay its welcome on the palate.
Final Thoughts
Though I will admit that the Vignoles wine falls a bit too sweet for my palate (and grandmas for sure) I still cannot help but to enjoy it. A few glasses after dinner are a perfect way to round out the day, for me it can often serve as a dessert in and of itself! I love how fruit forward it is but with a level of acid that really helps to trick your brain into thinking there is far more pineapple involved then there is (factually zero, all our wines are just grapes here, but the acid with the fruit definitely screams “Pineapple”) with a sweetness that does not veer into cloying.
My enjoyment of this wine is high, and it makes for a delicious summer sipper.
Raise of glass of Sunshine in a Bottle and enjoy the rest of the summer in style.
You can shop Vignoles, and the rest of our wines Here.
Michael Haggerty is the Shipping Coordinator at Stone Hill Winery and handles all DTC wine shipments.
You can reach him for shipping inquiries via email at shipping@stonehillwinery.com or by phone at 573-486-2221.